To send a package to an inmate in New York State, confirm the recipient's eligibility, choose items that meet NYS DOCCS requirements, and provide their full name, DIN, and current facility shipping address. For food packages, order from a vendor that ships directly to the correctional facility.
Use the steps below to prepare your first order with CIG Essentials, check package limits, and avoid missing recipient information.
How to send a NYS inmate package: 5 steps
- Confirm eligibility. Check with the receiving facility before shopping, especially after a transfer or change in the recipient's status.
- Collect recipient details. Double-check the full name, Department Identification Number (DIN), and facility shipping address.
- Choose qualifying products. Review food packaging and ingredient requirements or the clothing rules for each selected item.
- Review limits and shipping. Coordinate with other family members and check whether orders may arrive as multiple packages.
- Place the order and track delivery. Check the order confirmation and remember that facility inspection takes place after carrier delivery.
Shop NYS inmate food packages · Shop NYS inmate clothing packages
Can You Send Packages to Inmates in New York State?
Yes, but New York State has specific rules about where packages can come from.
Under current NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) rules, incarcerated individuals may receive packages shipped directly from vendors through carriers such as UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service.
Family and friends can order from a vendor and have the vendor ship the package directly to their loved one at the correctional facility. Current rules also allow family and friends to personally send up to two non-food packages per year.
How Many Food Packages Can a NYS Inmate Receive?
Under current NYS DOCCS guidance, an incarcerated individual is generally allowed:
Up to 3 food packages per month
With a combined maximum weight of 40 pounds per month. Packages count in the month the facility receives them, not when you place the order.
There are exceptions for certain incarcerated individuals and programs, so families should always verify their loved one's current package eligibility before ordering.
It's important to keep track of packages being sent from different vendors. The monthly weight limit applies to the combined food packages received—not just an individual order.
What Food Can You Send to an Inmate in NYS?
NYS DOCCS has specific requirements concerning food, ingredients, preparation and packaging.
Depending on the product, allowable foods can include items such as:
- Ready-to-eat meats
- Cooked, cured or smoked seafood without shells
- Cheese
- Qualifying commercially packaged bread and pastry products
- Snacks
- Beverages and drink mixes
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Coffee and tea
- Other commercially packaged foods that meet applicable requirements
DOCCS rules prohibit certain foods and packaging. For example, food cannot contain alcohol or poppy seeds, frozen foods are prohibited, and cans and glass containers aren't allowed. With limited exceptions such as fresh fruits and vegetables, food generally must be commercially packaged and have a commercially printed ingredient list.
Because requirements vary by product, check the current DOCCS allowable-items list before buying. See our food and packaging checklist for NYS inmate packages for more detail.
What Information Do You Need to Send an Inmate Package?
Before placing an order, make sure you have the correct information for your loved one.
You should have their:
Full name
DIN (Department Identification Number)
Correctional facility
Correct facility shipping address
The DIN is the identifying number assigned to an individual admitted into NYS DOCCS custody.
Double-check this information before completing an order. Accurate recipient information helps prevent delays and delivery problems.
Ordering Food for a NYS Inmate Through CIG Essentials
CIG Essentials makes it easier for families to shop for food and everyday essentials for loved ones in New York State correctional facilities.
Our selection includes a variety of products such as fully cooked meats, chicken, seafood, cheeses, breakfast foods, beverages, snacks, fruits and vegetables, personal-care products, clothing and other essentials.
Instead of trying to determine whether an ordinary online retailer understands correctional-facility shipping, families can shop with a business focused specifically on serving the needs of NYS correctional-facility families.
How Does CIG Essentials Ship Perishable Food?
Shipping perishable food requires additional care.
CIG Essentials ships meats, cheeses, and other temperature-sensitive products in thermally insulated chilled boxes with ice cells.
We also schedule our shipments around the correctional-facility delivery process to help reduce the possibility of perishable packages sitting over a weekend.
Our goal is to help your loved one's order arrive securely while providing families with a more convenient way to shop.
What Happens When the Package Arrives at the Facility?
Packages entering a NYS correctional facility are subject to facility inspection and applicable DOCCS rules.
Items that do not meet package requirements may not be accepted. DOCCS also states that spoiled foods and products received in broken, leaking or contaminated containers are considered a health risk and can be destroyed by the facility.
That's another reason it's important to purchase appropriate products and use suitable packaging when sending food.
Always Check Current NYS DOCCS Package Rules
Package rules can change, and exceptions may apply depending on an individual's status or program.
For example, DOCCS identifies special circumstances involving reception status, loss-of-package sanctions, in-transit status and certain programs. Individuals in reception status generally cannot receive packages for the first 30 days.
If you're uncertain about your loved one's eligibility or a particular product, check the current NYS DOCCS rules or contact the correctional facility before ordering.
Shop NYS Inmate Packages With CIG Essentials
Supporting someone in a New York State correctional facility already comes with enough responsibilities. Shopping for food and everyday essentials shouldn't have to make things more difficult.
CIG Essentials is focused on serving families with loved ones in New York State correctional facilities.
From fully cooked foods and fresh options to snacks, beverages, clothing and everyday essentials, we're here to make shopping and sending packages easier.
Looking for more help with NYS inmate food packages?
Learn what food you can send to an inmate in New York State, including meats, seafood, cheese, breakfast foods, snacks and important packaging considerations.
Questions about SNAP or food stamps? Read EBT/SNAP and NYS inmate food packages: what to know for retailer payment details, household-use considerations, and separate service fees.
CIG Essentials
Serving Families in NYS Correctional Facilities.
Trusted Delivery.
Final check before you order
Confirm the recipient details, package eligibility, selected product variants, total food package weight, and expected shipments. Ask CIG Essentials about current processing and delivery estimates before placing a time-sensitive order.
For broader planning, read our New York State inmate packages guide. Questions? Email Support@cigessentials.com.
Package rules reviewed October 29, 2026 against the DOCCS-posted Directive 4911, dated December 21, 2023. Confirm current facility requirements and recipient eligibility before ordering.
